Amidst the tumultuous months preceding the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the then Sports Minister, MS Gill, delivered a statement that continues to provide solace to all sports administrators grappling with deadlines in the lead-up to high-profile events. Faced with incessant queries concerning the incomplete stadiums and numerous organizational mishaps, the bureaucrat-turned-parliamentarian made a prediction that was largely fulfilled.
Pakistan India World Cup Match
“Disregard the delays. Similar to the seemingly unstructured preparations in an Indian wedding – akin to the portrayal in the film ‘Monsoon Wedding’ – we shall witness a splendid Games,” remarked Gill.
Much like the scenario during the Delhi CWG 2010, India is preparing for another significant event in October, and not everything is proceeding as planned. Cricket’s most ancient and grandest spectacle, the 50-over World Cup, is a mere two months away, yet the fans are still awaiting the final revised schedule. While grappling with the losses from flight cancellations, they anxiously await resolution regarding the sale of match-day tickets.
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The focal point of his uncertainty revolves around the clash between the India-Pakistan league, which has been scheduled for October 15th, coinciding with the commencement of a 9-day garba celebration for Navratri in Gujarat.
Informally, the anticipated change in date is attributed to potential security concerns. However, BCCI secretary Jay Shah has asserted that the shift is a result of ‘change requests’ put forth by other cricket boards. Regardless of the underlying truth, there are a couple of questions that demand answers: Did the schedulers consult the panchangam listing Hindu festivals? Wasn’t the proposed itinerary approved by all participating nations before the ICC made it public?
![Pakistan India World Cup Match](https://ejlaal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Pakistan-vs-England-3-convert.io_.webp)
![Pakistan India World Cup Match](https://ejlaal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/India-win-1024x482.webp)
Experienced in the World Cup
Similar to the scenario in Monsoon Wedding, this ‘delay’ is akin to a light drizzle causing some inconvenience, but it won’t dampen the excitement of an upcoming World Cup set to take place in a stadium brimming with the sport’s most passionate enthusiasts.
Regarding hosting, the BCCI boasts a wealth of experience in the World Cup. Back in 1987, even without the modern-day riches or infrastructure, they orchestrated an event that is primarily remembered for its remarkable cricketing performances.
For an establishment that annually arranges a 10-team IPL tournament with a ‘home and away’ format, it boasts a capable team comprising individuals well-versed in the proceedings. From the groundskeeper and bus driver to the turnstile operator and parking attendant, each is familiar with the routines of match days. However, the scenario shifts drastically during the World Cup, especially evident in the India-Pakistan match taking place in Ahmedabad. This event will challenge not only the organizers but also the security agencies, hotel personnel, and, naturally, the passionate fans.
Well before the ICC unveiled the schedule, Ahmedabad was regarded with suspicion. Upon learning that the world’s largest stadium, the Narendra Modi Stadium, was likely to host the renowned cricket showdown between neighboring countries, Pakistan increased their efforts.
In an interview with The Indian Express, the former PCB leader, Najam Sethi, remarked, “Upon hearing this statement, I couldn’t help but smile and think to myself – ‘this is one method to ensure we don’t travel to India’ … I won’t delve into the politics of the matter, but there definitely appears to be a political aspect involved here, as if there is a city where security concerns could arise, it’s Ahmedabad … This seems to be a distraction meant to convey to us – ‘hey, we’re planning to have the match in Ahmedabad, so be cautious’.”
Upon the announcement of the schedule, Pakistan gradually became more receptive to the idea of competing at Modi Stadium. The former players of their team urged the PCB not to advocate for a change. Now, the responsibility lies with Ahmedabad to exhibit their best behavior. The Indian fans did not react favorably to a World Cup loss in a critical match. The images of Vinod Kambli in tears and the Eden Gardens in turmoil following the unexpected 1996 World Cup semi-final serve as a reminder of the ignominious history of Indian cricket.
Throughout most of March, the nation’s shared aspiration of clinching the Cup had swelled. However, that changed when Aravinda de Silva began treating Anil Kumble as though he were a club-level bowler. Ahmedabad cannot replicate the Kolkata experience; instead, it should emulate Chennai, a city of sports enthusiasts that offered a standing ovation to the Wasim Akram-led team after Pakistan’s 1999 Test victory.
It is likely that Ahmedabad will witness Pakistani fans brandishing their country’s flags from the stands. If the enduring tradition of Indo-Pak matches is upheld at this venue, concerns about safety should be assuaged. Despite the bitter partition between the two countries, cricket enthusiasts from both nations have peacefully coexisted in the stands. There is fervent flag-waving and occasional finger-pointing, but more serious transgressions are rare.
In his book ‘My Years in BCCI,’ Professor Ratnakar Shetty, a seasoned administrator of Indian cricket, dedicates a chapter to India’s momentous 2004 tour of Pakistan. In this chapter, he recounts a heartening scene that unfolded after India’s closely contested victory in the Lahore one-day series.
“The scenes that unfolded post the game were truly remarkable. Picture Indians proudly waving the tricolour and dancing to the rhythm of drums played by Pakistanis, right on the streets of Lahore! Astonishing, yet that is precisely what occurred that evening.” Ahmedabad is faced with a challenging precedent to match.
![Pakistan India World Cup Match](https://ejlaal.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Pakistan-vs.-India-Asia-Cup-2023-3-convert.io_-1024x576.webp)
Cricket Diplomacy Summit
The cricket diplomacy reached its zenith during this tour, with the leaders of both nations urging their cricket squads to serve as ambassadors of harmony. Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee extended a warm invitation to the team at his residence just before they embarked on their journey across the border. On this occasion, Vajpayee presented the team with a cricket bat bearing the inscription ‘Khel bhi jeeto aur dil bhi’ (Win both the game and hearts). As the team prepared to depart, the poet Prime Minister requested the naval band to play the inspirational tune ‘‘Hum honge kaamyaab’’ (We shall overcome).
Shetty also provides intriguing insights into an evening spent in Pakistan, during which President Musharraf hosted both teams for a tea gathering. In a light-hearted interaction with players from both sides, President Musharraf playfully poked fun, occasionally at the expense of the Pakistani team. Describing the sumptuous spread of food, generously infused with ghee, the President humorously referred to it as ‘weapons of mass destruction’, as humorously recounted by Shetty.
Ahmedabad must keep in mind that when India and Pakistan face off on the cricket field, adversarial neighbors converse about peace, and even high-ranking military officials pause their conflicts, utilizing potent instruments of war to facilitate friendly interactions.
In Shetty’s book, there’s a charming excerpt that encapsulates the nation’s complex relationship with shared history. During Pakistan’s reciprocal visit to India, BCCI president Sharad Pawar extended an invitation to the Pakistan team for a dinner at his residence. Pawar considerately included Nusli Wadia, India’s leading industrialist and the grandson of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, on the guest list, illustrating the intricate connections between the two nations.